McLaren Urged to Address 'Fragile' Pit Stop Issues Amid Red Bull Threat

McLaren is on the cusp of a historic double championship success, but former F1 driver Johnny Herbert warns that persistent pit stop errors could be their undoing, especially with Red Bull poised to capitalize. The team's recent 'fragile' pit stop performance threatens to hand an advantage to rivals and complicate their internal driver championship battle.

Why it matters:

McLaren's quest for a double championship, a feat not achieved in nearly 30 years, is being undermined by a critical and recurring issue: slow pit stops. These errors not only jeopardize their lead in the standings but also provide an opening for Max Verstappen and Red Bull to exploit, potentially shifting the dynamic of both the drivers' and constructors' championships.

The Details:

• Pit Stop Woes: McLaren has experienced three slow pit stops in the last three Grands Prix, directly impacting race outcomes. Notably, a slow stop at the Italian Grand Prix led to a controversial position swap between their title contenders.
• Driver Impact: Lando Norris suffered two slow pit stops, while Oscar Piastri was similarly affected in Singapore, highlighting a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents.
• Former Glory: Herbert recalls McLaren's previous reputation for world-record pit stops, noting a significant decline in recent performance. This suggests a regression from their established high standards.
• Red Bull Threat: Herbert emphasizes that Red Bull will aggressively target these weaknesses. In scenarios requiring an undercut, McLaren's reliability in pit stops will be tested under immense pressure.
• Team Harmony: The former F1 driver suggests that current team harmony might favor Max Verstappen and Red Bull due to the strong relationship between the driver and his team, contrasting with McLaren's internal pressures.

Between the Lines:

Herbert also touched upon McLaren's internal driver management, advocating for a 'let them race' philosophy. With Piastri currently holding a 22-point lead over Norris, and Verstappen 66 points behind, the championship battle is intensifying. Herbert believes that allowing the drivers to compete freely, rather than imposing team orders, is the best approach to alleviate pressure and determine the true champion on merit, acknowledging their elite skill level.

What's next:

McLaren faces a dual challenge: rectifying their pit stop inefficiencies and carefully managing the burgeoning rivalry between their two championship-contending drivers. Their ability to address these 'fragile' issues will be crucial in fending off the Red Bull threat and securing a historic double championship. The upcoming United States Grand Prix will be a key indicator of whether McLaren can turn the tide and maintain their championship charge.